A pedestrian was killed in Houston after being hit by a semi-truck on Belknap Road

HOUSTON, Texas—A pedestrian was tragically killed after being hit by a semi-truck on October 18, 2022.

Few details about the accident have been released to the public, but we know that the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the accident scene. News footage shows the semi-truck's trailer twisted away from the cab for unknown reasons.

An active investigation into the fatal accident is underway. No further information is available.

Further investigation is required so the victim's family can hold all potential wrongdoers responsible

Sadly, this accident could have been prevented in many ways. Although some might assume the semi-truck driver was distracted while driving or otherwise solely to blame for this tragedy, that might not be the case. Our firm has handled many cases where semi-truck drivers hit cars or pedestrians not because of distraction but because of a lack of training. Perhaps the pedestrian's family should seek answers from the trucking company that employed the truck driver or even the truck's manufacturer.

Commercial trucking companies must ensure that their drivers prioritize safety while driving. To do so, trucking companies should provide regular training and educational resources for truck drivers, explaining the importance of being constantly aware of their surroundings. Additionally, adequate training can help semi-truck drivers to realize when they are too tired to continue driving or when their truck is out of control.

Newer semi-trucks are often equipped with lane assistance technology, which helps the truck to stay on course and avoid hazards on the roadway. Like any technology, lane assistance features can sometimes fail, resulting in catastrophic accidents. Aside from requiring drivers to be trained on the dangers of relying on such technology, truck manufacturers may also be liable for installing equipment prone to failure.

Should the investigation reveal that the truck driver in Houston had not received the necessary education or that the truck had suffered a technological or mechanical failure before the accident, the victim's family could bring a claim against the parties responsible for their loved one's death. Our firm can help the family through the legal process and hopefully get them the answers they need in this difficult time. Hopefully, with more information, we can prevent future similar incidents.